A day after Manchester City were ousted from Champions League against Barcelona, they’ve signed a former Blaugrana coach with the hopes of improving the English side — and the prospects of New York City FC.

Borrell is widely regarded as a youth development guru, helping to nurture along the likes of Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique during his time at Barcelona and adding to that impressive resume with names like Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan at Liverpool. He spent four years at Merseyside but was dismissed of his duties last November, alongside academy director Frank McPartland. City will likely use Borrell’s unique expertise to their advantage as the club continues a £100 million state-of-the-art construction project for their team’s training and youth development program — modeled after the Barcelona system.

However, his duties will not end there. According to the Mirror, Borrell will help run the team’s overseas affairs — particularly the formation of New York City FC and Melbourne Hearts. The Spaniard will reunite with former Barca bosses Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain who are also spearheading the outer club projects.

In essence, Borrell’s appointment is a good fit. As NYC FC coach Jason Kreis revealed some weeks ago, City are looking to loan players out to their Stateside club — likely, Academy products. Borrell’s developmental expertise will play a key role in identifying said talent and balancing the needs of the first team club with their various satellite extensions.